05 S E C T I O N Where to from here? Children and young people in Australia, and their families, are facing unprecedented health, social and economic challenges. Although restrictions have eased in some places, it seems likely that these challenges will continue indefinitely into the future. Equipping children, young people, and their families to cope in these changed times is critical. Ways that this could be achieved include: Further, other health services which serve as gateways to mental health treatment, such as GPs and hospital services, should prioritise children with concerning mental health issues. A child with a mental health need should not be turned away, or postponed indefinitely from diagnosis and treatment, due to the pandemic. Mainstream health services should be assisted in times of emergencies to maintain this essential service. 5.1 Invest in child and youthfocused mental health services and support While extra funding has been apportioned to some mental health services because of COVID-19, more will be required to ensure services are accessible and available for all children and young people that need it, and that are responsive to their particular needs. Prior to COVID-19, mental health services were already overloaded, including at Kids Helpline. The demand for mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people has only increased with the advent of the pandemic. As Kids Helpline data shows, some children, young people, and their families entered COVID-19 with pre-existing challenges, vulnerabilities, and inequalities in their lives. These have been intensified by the impacts of COVID-19, including reduced access to face-to-face services, changes to normal routines, social isolation, and job losses. Some mental health services have started using virtual and digital delivery in ways not previously relied on. It will be important to evaluate the effectiveness of these new methods in supporting children and young people, including whether these reduce waiting lists and provide quicker access to mental health services. However, while these new ways may work well for some children and young people, others will require face-to-face mental health support. Kids Helpline has long recognised this, and part of its service provision has always included discussing possible referrals with children and young people and liaising with those referral agencies on behalf of children and young people. With reduced face-to-face services available during times of lockdown and social distancing, it is essential that innovative ways for children and young people to safely access face-to-face mental health services are implemented. Mental health services will need to be proactive in connecting with children and young people in need of help. 5.2 Promote clear, accurate and child-friendly information and resources Governments should widely publicise COVID-19 information in child-friendly ways to ensure that accurate information reaches all children and young people. Children and young people need to be able to access reliable information which focuses on what they need to do to keep safe, and how to cope with their fears. They need to know where to go for help through clear signposting to information and services. As many children and young people receive their information from their parents or carers, it is also important that there are practical resources targeted at parents and carers, so they can have appropriate and informed conversations with their children. In terms of contacts to Kids Helpline, we know that fewer males, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD children and young people are reaching out for support. We need to reach out to these children and young people to let them know that support is available. Specific child friendly information which is relevant to their circumstances must be made accessible. Impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people who contact Kids Helpline • 2020 • 43